pedo mc tax me softly, black person (whom i love)
05-26-2003, 05:15 AM
A few things before we begin:
The Bible was written from the viewpoint of explaining God's Plan for all of Creation relative to Earth and it's inhabitants (primarily, mankind).
There is actually a historical gap between verse one of the first chapter of Genesis and verse two of the same chapter of countless ages. Again, each book of the Bible is written with the intent of conveying a specific point which is relevant to the current ages. Casual, or careless, reading will lead to many erroneous conclusions (like this long-standing assumption that earth is the only planet with life on it. While the Bible does not expressly confirm that there is other life--that is, life that has physical manifestations--on other planets, it does state that the angels did rule various worlds prior to the uprising of Lucifer and his minions. And it could also be logically assumed that such other societies exist, but such speculation is irrelevant to the message conveyed by the Bible and as such will end here.).
Anyway, after years of research (I've actually been engaged in this study of the Bible for years, and only recently become sure enough about what I've come up with to attempt to explain it to others), I've managed to identify several time periods (hereafter referred to as Dispensations, in order to help in referencing with the works of other scholars on this subject) referenced and explained in the Bible--although the casual reader will often miss the references. My point in even referring to the Dispensations to begin with? Well, if one takes the Dispensations into account instead of thinking that everything in the Bible refers to the events which had happened since Adam was made, then the apparent contradictions in the Bible begin to make sense.
Again, this is a discussion on the Bible and how it explains the creation of the world and the relationship between man and God. It does require that initial bit of "taking it on faith" or accepting it as fact that there is a God. However, the fact that many people around here simply will not accept that premise is the primary reason I am posting this in the Fiction and Poetry forums. If you do not agree with/accept the premise that a Supreme Being is the cause of the existence of the Universe, then simply dismiss this thread as another addition to these fiction forums and go on you merry way. Otherwise, read on.
Please also note that when I say "God" in this discussion that I am referring to all three members of the Trinity: Jehovah (the Father), Yahweh (the Son), and the Holy Spirit/Ghost. Later on in one of the more detailed studies I will explain this oft confusing doctrine of the Faith (even though it is really quite simple).
Anyway, I made several incredibly long essays while attempting to prepare for this task that I've set myself to here. But finally came to the conclusion that the only real way to try to help you guys understand the Bible would be to simply open the discussion and let you guys ask me questions about it.
Now, a few minor requests:
If you have a question which is on a different subject than what discussion seems to be going in this thread, please PM me about it. Insofar as this thread goes, I would like to finish the discussion of a given sub-topic before jumping on to the next one. In other words: Let's say for example we were discussing free-will. In that instance, if someone should have a question about a different doctrine taught by most denominations nowadays (like Baptism), then I would ask that they PM me and I would be glad to answer their question. Either that, or I'd find some way to bring the current topic to a satisfactory answer as quickly as I could and then move on to that next question.
Anyway, I seem to be rambling here, but take heart. When it comes to directly answering the questions you people might pose to me, I will be much more focused.
One other thing, keep in mind that it is going to take me some time to compose my responses because I want to be sure that I explain things as clearly and fully as possible. That way I actually answer your question instead of doing like most "christians" out there today and simply throw a few catch-phrases at you (WWJD, anyone? Oh please, it would be nice if those people would actually care enough to put some thought in their responses.).
Anyway, I've opened the door. The ball is now in your court.
Feel free to PM, email, or reply to this thread with your question. But make sure you read the other responses to this thread, and if someone has already asked the question you're wondering about, check back for my response instead of posting the same question again (or simply PM or email me, and as the demand for the answers to a particular question come up, I'll give that question priority).
The Bible was written from the viewpoint of explaining God's Plan for all of Creation relative to Earth and it's inhabitants (primarily, mankind).
There is actually a historical gap between verse one of the first chapter of Genesis and verse two of the same chapter of countless ages. Again, each book of the Bible is written with the intent of conveying a specific point which is relevant to the current ages. Casual, or careless, reading will lead to many erroneous conclusions (like this long-standing assumption that earth is the only planet with life on it. While the Bible does not expressly confirm that there is other life--that is, life that has physical manifestations--on other planets, it does state that the angels did rule various worlds prior to the uprising of Lucifer and his minions. And it could also be logically assumed that such other societies exist, but such speculation is irrelevant to the message conveyed by the Bible and as such will end here.).
Anyway, after years of research (I've actually been engaged in this study of the Bible for years, and only recently become sure enough about what I've come up with to attempt to explain it to others), I've managed to identify several time periods (hereafter referred to as Dispensations, in order to help in referencing with the works of other scholars on this subject) referenced and explained in the Bible--although the casual reader will often miss the references. My point in even referring to the Dispensations to begin with? Well, if one takes the Dispensations into account instead of thinking that everything in the Bible refers to the events which had happened since Adam was made, then the apparent contradictions in the Bible begin to make sense.
Again, this is a discussion on the Bible and how it explains the creation of the world and the relationship between man and God. It does require that initial bit of "taking it on faith" or accepting it as fact that there is a God. However, the fact that many people around here simply will not accept that premise is the primary reason I am posting this in the Fiction and Poetry forums. If you do not agree with/accept the premise that a Supreme Being is the cause of the existence of the Universe, then simply dismiss this thread as another addition to these fiction forums and go on you merry way. Otherwise, read on.
Please also note that when I say "God" in this discussion that I am referring to all three members of the Trinity: Jehovah (the Father), Yahweh (the Son), and the Holy Spirit/Ghost. Later on in one of the more detailed studies I will explain this oft confusing doctrine of the Faith (even though it is really quite simple).
Anyway, I made several incredibly long essays while attempting to prepare for this task that I've set myself to here. But finally came to the conclusion that the only real way to try to help you guys understand the Bible would be to simply open the discussion and let you guys ask me questions about it.
Now, a few minor requests:
If you have a question which is on a different subject than what discussion seems to be going in this thread, please PM me about it. Insofar as this thread goes, I would like to finish the discussion of a given sub-topic before jumping on to the next one. In other words: Let's say for example we were discussing free-will. In that instance, if someone should have a question about a different doctrine taught by most denominations nowadays (like Baptism), then I would ask that they PM me and I would be glad to answer their question. Either that, or I'd find some way to bring the current topic to a satisfactory answer as quickly as I could and then move on to that next question.
Anyway, I seem to be rambling here, but take heart. When it comes to directly answering the questions you people might pose to me, I will be much more focused.
One other thing, keep in mind that it is going to take me some time to compose my responses because I want to be sure that I explain things as clearly and fully as possible. That way I actually answer your question instead of doing like most "christians" out there today and simply throw a few catch-phrases at you (WWJD, anyone? Oh please, it would be nice if those people would actually care enough to put some thought in their responses.).
Anyway, I've opened the door. The ball is now in your court.
Feel free to PM, email, or reply to this thread with your question. But make sure you read the other responses to this thread, and if someone has already asked the question you're wondering about, check back for my response instead of posting the same question again (or simply PM or email me, and as the demand for the answers to a particular question come up, I'll give that question priority).